Effects of polycaprolactone coating on the biodegradable behavior and cytotoxicity of Mg-6%Zn-10%Ca3(PO4)2 composite in simulated body fluid

Abstract

Mg-6%Zn-10%Ca3(PO4)2 composite was prepared through powder metallurgy methods with polycaprolactone(PCL) coating on its surface. The properties of the PCL coatings on the surface of Mg-6%Zn-10%Ca3(PO4)2 composite, such as surface morphology, the corrosion behavior and the cytotoxicity properties were investigated. The results show that PCL coating improves the corrosion resistance of the magnesium matrix composite specimens significantly. Mg-6%Zn-10%Ca3(PO4)2 composite specimens with PCL coating exhibit good corrosion resistance and low pH values in SBF at 37°C in the immersion test, as compared with uncoated specimens. The cytotoxicity tests indicate Mg-6%Zn-10%Ca3(PO4)2 with PCL coating is nontoxic with higher relative growth rate than that of uncoated composites against L-929 cells.